Date of Award
Fall 2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Science in Maritime Affairs
Specialization
Port Management
Campus
Malmö, Sweden
Country
Brazil, Belize
First Advisor
Enrico D'agostini
Abstract
The dissertation is a study of how stakeholders diffuse innovation in port decarbonization strategies through a case study approach, with emphasis on the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) relating to the technical and operational measures in the developing regions. Port, being a critical hub in global supply chains, have to manage the increasing pressure of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in alignment with International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2023 GHG strategy as well as the Paris Agreement. However, there is a gap in empirical research, specifically in non-European regions like South America and the Caribbean, highlighting the need for insights from stakeholders’ perceptions and barriers of port decarbonization measures adoption.
The study was conducted to analyze the components of port decarbonization measures adoption by utilizing the DOI theory, which appraises innovations based on its constructs such as relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. Employing a mixed method approach, which incorporates a comprehensive literature review on port decarbonization and a Likert-scale questionnaire distributed to stakeholders from both public and private sectors (Port Authorities, National Regulators, and Terminal Operators) in Brazil and Belize context. A quantitative analysis was conducted through statistical tools like t-test and Mann-Whitney U test to thoroughly assess the perceptual differences from the public and private stakeholders, and a qualitative insight to better explore the barriers like the economic constraints, technical challenges, and regulatory gaps.
Based on the key findings from the study, the results reveal convergent perceptions across both sectors, resulting in no significant differences as it relates to the DOI constructs, demonstrating the shared confidence for benefits such as improved efficiency but is moderated by complexity and weak communication channels. Analysis from the DOI construct on the adoptions categories, illustrates that stakeholders predominantly align as “early majority” adopters, preferring long-term implementation during limited external pressures.
The study concluded with fitted policies, involving a systematic coordination framework and a phased roadmap, which can accelerate the adoption in developing regions. By addressing barriers through the DOI constructs, the study provides actionable recommendations for policymakers to better collaborate with port decarbonization efforts, while satisfying regional knowledge gaps and supporting global initiatives on decarbonization.
Included in
Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons, Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons